The mission of YHC Athletics is to prepare and empower our student-athletes for greatness in life through a holistic approach to academic success, community service, and athletic excellence. We will foster a family environment that promotes integrity, accountability, passion, and excellence. Young Harris College is committed to a philosophy of institutional control of athletics, academic and fiscal integrity of our athletic program, and to the values and goals befitting an institution of higher learning. In support of this commitment, the Board of Trustees and all college employees have agreed to the following general principles as a guide to Young Harris College’s participation in intercollegiate athletics:
- The mission, including our core values, of this institution determines the standards by which we conduct our intercollegiate athletics program;
- The responsibility for the administration of the department of athletics, including policies, personnel, and finances are vested in the President and may be delegated to the Director of Athletics;
- The health and well-being of the student-athlete will be of primary concern as decisions are made with regard to the administration of the department of athletics;
- The College recognizes the need to "balance" the role of athletics in the lives of our student-athletes;
- The intercollegiate athletic program adheres to the principles of fair play and of amateur athletic competition as defined by NCAA legislation;
- The College holds its coaches, administrators and student-athletes to the highest standards of sportsmanship and ethical conduct;
- All coaches and administrators shall exhibit fairness, openness, honesty, and professionalism in their relationships with student-athletes;
- Every student-athlete will receive equal and fair treatment;
- The intercollegiate athletic program will strive for equitable participation and competitive excellence, while enhancing diversity and developing positive societal attitudes in all of its athletic endeavors;
- The College believes in educating, inspiring and empowering its student-athletes through a comprehensive liberal arts experience that integrates mind, body and spirit;
- The College believes in promoting the academic success of its student-athletes, measured in part by student-athletes graduating at least at the same rate as the regular student body.
